Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Chair Lewis Builds Partnerships, Strengthens Commercial Ties in Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam – Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam this week as part of a delegation with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and more than 50 private sector representatives to forge commercial ties to support U.S. exporters seeking opportunities in the region. While in Hanoi, Chair Lewis met with private sector companies and government leaders to discuss EXIM’s financing tools and to identify collaboration opportunities that support U.S. companies exporting to Vietnam. The visit was the largest business delegation to Hanoi since the elevation of Vietnam – United States relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“It was fantastic to travel to Vietnam with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council to hold important conversations on how we can continue to collaborate in order to meet our shared economic and climate goals,” said Chair Lewis. “EXIM is committed to building upon our work in the region by providing financing tools that allow U.S. companies to remain competitive as they export to Vietnam.”
On Monday, Chair Lewis and Vietnam Development Bank (VDB) Chairman Mr. Le Van Hoan signed a $500 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the financing of U.S. exports to Vietnam. The MOU will encourage collaboration between EXIM and VDB and will support U.S. export financing to advance a green economy transition, infrastructure development projects and digital technology. Chair Lewis then held a meeting with representatives from MUFG Bank, where she highlighted how EXIM’s financing tools can support foreign buyers looking to purchase from U.S. exporters. She also met with Vietnam Airlines Chair Dang Ngoc Hoa and CEO Mr. Le Hong Ha, where she built upon EXIM’s longstanding relationship with Vietnam Airlines and discussed potential opportunities for collaboration. Chair Lewis closed the day and met with Ministry of Planning and Investment Vice Minister Tran Duy Dong, where they discussed potential opportunities to collaborate on projects that help Vietnam meet environmental goals.
On Tuesday, Chair Lewis met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, where she underscored EXIM’s commitment to supporting U.S. exporters and projects that advance the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. She then participated in a bilateral meeting alongside Special Representative of Commercial and Business Affairs Sarah Morgenthau and U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, with Vietnam’s Commission for Management of State Capital Vice Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Canh. During the meeting, they discussed EXIM’s work to support U.S. businesses exporting to Vietnam. Chair Lewis ended her visit by attending an event and exhibition marking the 40th Anniversary of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council hosted by Former Ambassador to Vietnam and U.S.-ASEAN Business Council CEO Ted Osius.
About EXIM:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Learn more at www.exim.gov.
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